Palawan

Province of southwestern Philippines, situated in the Sulu Sea; area 14,429 sq km/5,571 sq mi; population (1995) 640,000. The capital is Puerto Princesa. The province comprises several islands, of which Palawan is the largest. Palawan has the lowest population density of the Philippine provinces, being the most geographically remote, and is densely forested. Products include rice, corn, beans, and sweet potatoes; commercial fishing is important. Mineral wealth includes manganese, guano, chromite, and mercury; oil reserves were discovered in the 1990s.

Other islands in the province include Dumaran, Culion, Coron, Busuanga, Bugsuk, and Balabac. About 65% of the province is a game reserve/national park. St Paul underwater park is a tourist attraction.

Palawan

Long narrow island of the Sulu Archipelago in Palawan province, southwest Philippines; area 11,785 sq km/4,550 sq mi; population (2000) 755,400. It has a mountainous backbone with peaks rising to 2,085 m/6,840 ft, and a narrow coastal plain. The main town is Puerto Princesa, which is the capital of Palawan province. The main crops are rice, coconuts, peanuts, and cashew nuts; fishing is also important.